Let’s face it. A chicken doesn’t have a lot of happy choices.
Assembly Anonymous thinks it’s magnanimous for Dels. Riley Ingram, Jim Scott, Morgan Griffith and Sen. Tommy Norment to attempt to save chickens from cockfights. But, golly, cockfighting or Kentucky Fried?
Definitely not a happy choice.
In the great animal debates that are distinguishing the 2008 General Assembly, lumping all the fights together may not make a lot of sense. But that’s what happened with HB656. Dogs and chickens are lumped together in a no-fighting bill.
AA suggests an amendment: Dogs, chickens and legislators—no fighting!
Just how stupid is the public? That was the final discussion in a debate over a lengthy Del. Terrie Suit bill which calls on the State Corporation Commission to enforce laws that would protect homebuyers and owners.
The House Commerce and Labor Committee didn’t seem to have much problem with HB1487 that amends the Mortgage Lender and Broker Act. But they did have problems with a provision that says lenders can’t implement high-risk mortgage loans unless the borrower completes a “home ownership education course.”
Shudder. . . . Del. Bill Janis was beside himself. He didn’t use George Allen’s favorite word: Nannyism, but that was his fear as he asked, Whatever happened to “buyer beware?”
And: “We’re going to save people from themselves?”
And: This bill says people “just aren’t smart enough” to get a loan.
Suit, a loan officer, hoped her bill would help novices and first-time home buyers who, she observed, do need help navigating the complicated world of credit, mortgages, fees, points, APR—all of which would be covered in her home buyers’ class.
Del. Jennifer McClellan, an attorney and a recent homebuyer, supported requiring homebuyers to be better informed. She said she’s better informed than many, but is well aware of the confusing business of loans, laws and risks.
Janis’ outrage suggested Suit was requiring an MBA in home ownership. Del. Kenneth Melvin wanted to know just how much time these classes would take. One night or a Saturday afternoon, Suit said.
A proposed amendment would remove the education requirement. Chairman Terry Kilgore sought a cooling off period and sent the bill back to subcommittee.
NOTE TO STUPID PEOPLE: If you think education for homebuyers is a good idea, contact members of the Commerce and Labor Committee.
NOTE TO ANTI-NANNY PEOPLE : If ‘buyer beware’ is your mantra, let the Commerce and Labor Committee members know.
Assembly Anonymous is calling Commerce and Labor on the stupid people line.